The Definitive Event Planning Checklist

This event planning checklist serves as a great starting point for anyone that is in the beginning stages of organizing an event. At Ticketbud, we know that events come in all shapes and sizes so feel free to tweak this checklist to your specific needs. Look at this as an event planning template to help kickstart the process.

Before we dive into it, below are a few motivational thoughts to establish the right mindset for you to jump right into the planning process.

Ideas are worthless. Execution is everything. You might have the greatest idea for your event but it means nothing if you don't take action. No one remembers the person that had 100 unique event ideas. Everyone remembers the organizer who took the risk and put together an amazing event.

Don't let fear stop you from doing. Planning an event can be hard. Especially if it is your first time doing it. Don't let those initial fears and hesitancies stop you from diving into the planning process. Be confident in your abilities to pull it off and lean on your team for support. Acknowledge your fears and keep executing. There's nothing stopping you.

Stop consuming and start planning. You can only read so many guides and party planning checklists like this one. The experts in the event space provide some great tips but don't spend the majority of the time reading what we have to say. Start planning now and revert back to consumption only when needed. You'll do more awesome stuff because of it.

How to plan your event

4-12 Months Before Event Date

Determine the identity of your event and what you want to achieve by organizing it.
Select a date
Choose a location/venue that is available on the date you've selected
Determine expenses and projected revenue
Create an event budget based on above projections
Organize your team. Find the right people and assign roles and responsibilities.
Establish a master agenda and timeline
Create and launch marketing plan
Contact and determine speakers/entertainment/vendors
Research and contact sponsors/partners

3-4 Months Before Event Date

Take care of your speakers/entertainment/vendors

Sign contractual agreements
Get bio information and professional photo (for speakers/entertainment)
Arrange for travel/lodging
Gameplan presentation topics and/or performances (introduce speakers if part of group discussion)

1-2 Months Before Event Date

Send invitations to contact list
Finalize sponsorship and partners
Verify status for all speakers and entertainment
Confirm participation from all vendors
Circulate press releases to all media list and affiliates
Continue marketing cycle and make any adjustments when needed

1 Week Before Event Date

Conduct final site-walkthrough with venue and team
Review master agenda and finalize back-up plan
Brief team members/volunteers/contractors on responsiblities and timelines
Provide registration numbers to vendors/sponsors/partners
Make copies/data backups of all presentations, videos, materials etc.

Day before Event

Day of Event

Check in with team members to ensure that everyone is on the same page
Check registration area and make sure those involved understand the check-in process
Keep tabs on master agenda and make sure your attendees are having a great time

Post Event

Break down venue and clean up
Review budget with updated revenue and expense #'s after collecting all financial data
Send acknowledgements to all of those who helped make your event a success

Include post-event data to ensure their participation for next time

Reflect with team on your event's successes and how you can make the planning process smoother

Leverage attendees by conducting post-event surveys and reaching out to see what you can improve on